Kitesurfing is a popular watersport among people who want to feel the adrenaline rush. It has gained immense popularity in the 21st century with over 1.5 million kitesurfers worldwide. If you’re someone who likes adventure sports and thrill then it’s a must-try for you even as a fun activity during your vacations. This exciting watersport combines the elements of Windsurfing, Surfing, Wing foiling, Hydrofoiling (Foil Boarding) and Cable Wakeboarding.
Kitesurfing for the first time might seem a daunting task but contrary to popular belief it’s not that difficult. With some practice, you can acquire the skills to master this adventurous sport. Kitesurfing can be done in different water conditions whether it’s flat water or water with heavy waves. Since this is a watersport, there are some of the best kitesurfing spots around the world and one of them is Riah Kitesurfing Academy El Gouna.
So, if you are looking to try a new sport, and adrenaline junkie or planning a trip to Egypt, you must try this fun-filled adventure to make your trip memorable. In this guide, we’ll dig a little deeper and see how you can enjoy kitesurfing with your family.
Basics About Kitesurfing
In kitesurfing, the rider is attached to a large, specially designed-kite through a harness attached to the waist. This allows the rider to use the power of the wind to pull themselves across the water while standing on a board, like surfing. Just imagine surfing while being attached to a huge kite and using the wind to get an extra push to move in any direction.
The kite used in this sport is made from lightweight materials like polyester or nylon. It is attached to a harness using a control bar which allows you to control and steer the movements of the kite. It’s a thrilling, challenging, & exciting sport that requires strength, technique, and knowledge of weather and wind conditions. However, it’s not very difficult and with some practice and training, you can enjoy this cool sport like a pro.
Kitesurfing Vs Kiteboarding
Both kiteboarding and kitesurfing are commonly used terms for the same sport but if we have a look at it from a technical perspective then these are two unique styles of riding. Kiteboarding includes using different kinds of boards like snowboards or wakeboards and can be done on land, snow, or water, typically called twin tip boards. The twin-tip boards are called “twin tip” because they are designed to be symmetrical in shape at both ends, with two removable fins at each end. This symmetrical design allows the rider to ride in either direction and doesn’t require the rider to jibe, plus gives greater manoeuvrability in tricks and jumps, which is essential for catching ‘big air’ jumps. However, kitesurfing involves riding a surfboard over water, this board can have straps for the riders feed to add stability and balance or without straps ‘strapless’, depending on the riders requirements. Due to the use of different boards, riders can perform different flips, rolls, and tricks.
Best Spot for Kitesurfing in Egypt
When it comes to choosing the best spot for kitesurfing, then all the surfers have their favorites. However, if we talk about the best spot for kitesurfing in El Gouna, Egypt in terms of increasing popularity then Riah Kite Academy comes to mind. It’s among the most popular kitesurfing destinations for riders from around the world. The picturesque landscapes, ideal weather, flat water and consistently strong wind conditions make it the most attractive spot for kite surfers.
Understanding the Equipment
Learning about the dynamics and basic functions of each piece of equipment you’ll be using while kitesurfing is important for a beginner. The type of equipment used can also depend on the choice of a surfer. So, let’s get familiarized with some of the kitesurfing equipment:
Understanding Wind Direction and Conditions
It is necessary for all the kitesurfers to at least have a basic knowledge of wind conditions & directions. Which type of board you need to use and the size of the kite depends on the wind condition. As a surfer, you might come across different types of wind conditions such as strong or light. If we talk about wind directions then cross-onshore is the easiest for kitesurfing. Cross-onshore and onshore winds are less gusty (smooth) and the surfer can easily return to the shore. However, cross-offshore and offshore winds are very rough (gusty) because they pass over the land and require a backup boat to help reach the shore.
Rules and Safety Precautions
As a beginner, you must take lessons from a professional kitesurfing instructor. It can be a dangerous watersport and can cause injuries if you don’t take proper safety measures or ignore the rules. Always prioritize your safety over everything else by wearing the safety gear which includes an impact vest, safety leash, and helmet.
Before going into the water it’s crucial to know about wind conditions & direction. Take proper lessons on how to launch the kite and change its direction. There are some predefined rules of priority in kitesurfing that must be followed and respected. These rules define which surfer should have priority in different situations. So, make sure you remember all these rules as they are important for the safety of kitesurfers.
Different Disciplines of Kitesurfing
Once you’ve learned the art of kitesurfing, there are multiple disciplines that you can explore. Each one of them has a different style and technique. Some of the most common disciplines of kitesurfing are listed below:
Kitesurfing as a Fun Vacation Activity
Watersports are always about having fun and spending quality time with your family, friends and meeting likeminded people . Whether your a complete beginner looking to learn, or an advanced rider looking to have an electrifying experience in Egypt, Riah Kite Academy is the perfect spot for you. It’s a complete experience where you get to spend a day by the Red Sea while learning about kitesurfing from the best instructors. You can dine as well at the Riah bar and restaurant to enjoy the most delicious food as the menu includes amazing pizzas, burgers, grills, and salads.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts
Learning the art of kitesurfing from experienced and professional instructors would further increase your interest in this amazing sport. If you want to indulge yourself in some thrilling and fun activity or sports then join the community of kitesurfers. So, let’s learn to conquer water and wind with the expert instructors of Riah Kitesurfing Academy.
